Giza Pyramids, Saqqara & Memphis: Full Day Tour with Egyptologist

Three pyramid sites in one day: Giza, Saqqara's Step Pyramid, and Memphis

You’ll stand beneath Giza’s pyramids with an Egyptologist guide who brings ancient stories to life before heading out to Saqqara’s rugged Step Pyramid and Memphis’ giant statues. There’s time for a simple local lunch, and maybe even a quiet moment by the Sphinx that stays with you long after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Saqqara2h
2. Memphis1h

Visit Giza, Saqqara, and Memphis sites

• Pickup from hotel at 8:00 am
• Visit Great Pyramids of Giza
• Explore Valley Temple and Sphinx
• Travel to Saqqara
• Visit Step Pyramid of King Zoser
• Continue to Memphis City
• See Ramses II statue and Alabaster Sphinx

The experience

Ever wondered if the Sphinx really looks as mysterious up close as in all those photos? I did too, until we pulled up that morning: dust swirling around our van, Cairo’s noise fading behind us. Our guide, Ahmed, greeted us with this quiet excitement (he called it “pyramid fever,” which made me laugh), and suddenly there they were: Cheops, Chephren, Mykerinos. The air was dry but not harsh. I could almost taste the sand when the wind picked up. Ahmed explained how each block was hauled here: honestly, I still can’t wrap my head around it. The Sphinx felt smaller than I’d pictured but somehow more intense. Its face had this calmness that made everyone go quiet for a second.

After that we drove out to Saqqara. The city faded into fields and then just emptiness: well, except for a few goats and one kid waving at us from a donkey cart. Saqqara’s Step Pyramid is older than Giza’s and you can feel it in the stones. They look rougher, like the builders were figuring things out as they went. Ahmed told us about King Zoser while we stood in the shade (thank god for that breeze). I touched one of the walls (cool and gritty), and tried to imagine this place buzzing with priests and workers thousands of years ago. It’s hard to picture but you get these flashes of it if you stand still long enough.

Lunch was at a little spot on the way to Memphis. Nothing fancy but good bread and lentil soup that tasted smoky from the kitchen fire. In Memphis itself, there’s this huge statue of Ramses II lying down under a roof (his feet are massive) and an alabaster sphinx outside that looks like it’s waiting for something. A couple of local kids ran by playing tag around the base. Their laughter echoed off all that old stone. On the drive back to Cairo I kept replaying bits in my head: the hush by the Sphinx, warm bread at lunch, how Ahmed grinned every time someone asked about mummies. Still not sure which part hit me hardest.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza, guidance from an expert Egyptologist throughout Giza Pyramids, Saqqara and Memphis visits, plus a simple local lunch before returning in the afternoon.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (6 to 10 years): free · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Essoo Egypt Tour

Is this one for you?See Cairo's three most essential ancient sites (Giza, Saqqara, and Memphis) in one day with a private guide handling all logistics and entry, so you move seamlessly between pyramids without the hassle of arranging transport or managing tickets.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 10 years): free. Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

How long is the full day tour from Cairo to Giza Pyramids, Saqqara & Memphis?

The tour starts at 8:00 am and lasts most of the day, including travel between sites.

Is hotel pickup included in this Giza Pyramids day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Cairo or Giza hotels.

Do you visit all three main pyramids on this tour?

Yes, you visit Cheops, Chephren & Mykerinos at Giza Plateau during the tour.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included as part of your day trip.

Will there be an Egyptologist guide on this tour?

An expert Egyptologist guide leads your group throughout all sites visited.

What makes Saqqara different from Giza Pyramids?

Saqqara features Egypt's first true pyramid, the Step Pyramid, which is older and has rougher stones than those at Giza.